Why our work matters

Land Conservation is an effective way to maintain natural, cultural, and economic value in a community. Land Trusts (and conservancies) have been saving and restoring our natural and working lands for three centuries, beginning in 1891 with the Trustees of the Reservations in Massachusetts. Since then, more than 50 million acres of extraordinary places across our beautiful country have been conserved and protected.

For The Benefit Of All

When land is conserved, we all benefit. Not just the plants and wild animals that rely on undisturbed and natural areas to thrive, but the people who use, make their living from, and are inspired by our magnificent lands. Here are just a few ways land conservation benefits our daily lives:

Helps to ensure clean water and air

Provides economic benefits through tourism, outdoor recreation, and local food & wine production

Provides vital habitat for pollinators, like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Connects us to the rich history and culture of the region

When we conserve land, we’re ensuring natural open areas that can inspire, renew, and provide solace for people of all walks of life. And most importantly, these lands provide great opportunities for children and adults to get outside, play, exercise, and learn from the natural world around us.

During the holidays you may be hanging mistletoe in doorways in anticipation of a kiss. Or perhaps on a winter drive looking out the window you notice leafless oak trees full of green mistletoe balls and wonder if the mistletoe is harming the trees. So, is mistletoe a kiss or a curse?

Oh, what a night! On November 10th, we gathered at the Ashland Hills Hotel for our annual Conservation Celebration to honor 39 years of protecting special places in our region. Take a peek at some of the night's highlights.

Our dear friend, Al Buck, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2017. Al was a loyal and generous member for over 15 years. He loved to volunteer too, serving on our Lands Committee and Trustee Council, and as a monthly office volunteer, getting our renewal letters out every month.